Why in the News?

A team of Indian scientists has discovered a new species of lichen, Allographa effusosoredica, in the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot.

What are Lichens?

lichen

Lichens are symbiotic organisms, composed of a fungus (mycobiont) and a photosynthetic partner (photobiont)—either a green alga or a cyanobacterium.
The fungus provides structure and protection, while the photobiont produces food through photosynthesis.
Lichens are key ecological contributors:
- They build soil by breaking down rocks.
- Serve as bioindicators of environmental and air quality.
- Provide food for insects and small animals.
Despite being often overlooked, lichens are vital to ecosystem stability and resilience.

Discovery: Allographa effusosoredica was discovered in the Western Ghats by MACS-Agarkar Research Institute, Pune.
First of Its Kind: First Indian Allographa species confirmed using molecular data.
Biodiversity Addition: 53rd Allographa species in India; 22nd from the Western Ghats.
Funding Support: Research funded by Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) under a lichen symbiosis project.

Morphology: Crustose body with effuse soredia; Contains norstictic acid—rare among related species.
Algal Partner: Photobiont identified as Trentepohlia, expanding understanding of tropical lichen symbiosis.
Molecular Markers: Analysis used fungal markers (mtSSU, LSU, RPB2) and algal marker (ITS).
Phylogenetic Placement: Closely related to Allographa xanthospora; visually similar to Graphis glaucescens.

[UPSC 2014] Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of:

Options: (a) algae and bacteria (b) algae and fungi* (c) bacteria and fungi (d) fungi and mosses